Glimpses of Europe, Historical, Political, Social, Etc (Classic Reprint) - Paperback

Excerpt from Glimpses of Europe, Historical, Political, Social, Etc

Zurich, Switzerland, Jan. 18. - One of the most interesting countries in the world is little Switzerland, not for size, wealth or population, but because of its romantic, tragic and unique history, strategic position and modern democracy.

It is by far the oldest of all popular governments, its altitude, situation and power is such that although surrounded by grasping monarchies for centuries, it has not been absorbed by Germany, Austria, Italy or France, and it was the glorious example of Helvetia that encouraged the Gauls to dispense with emperors and found another republic in the heart of Europe. For centuries the Swiss have remained intact holding their liberty and democracy so sacred that no temptation has been able to destroy the republic or mar their rugged character, but true to their ancestors each generation in its turn has forged another link in the chain of a democracy which is today the cynosure of all eyes, the goal of liberty, and the worlds experimental station and political laboratory.

The Swiss federation began its wondrous career as far back as 1291 when the little mountain cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden formed the First Perpetual league, to be followed by Lucerne and Zurich, which was a great gain for the league, as the city of Zurich was even then a most important German city, famous for its intellectual and political influence.

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